Monthly Siren and EAS Test, Sept. 4

Maui siren. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The Civil Defense monthly test of the statewide outdoor siren warning system takes place today at 11:45 a.m.

The test is a steady one minute tone that is used to alert the public to any emergency that may pose a threat to life and property.

Test is done on the first working day of the month in coordination with local broadcasters.

Besides natural and technological hazards, the Emergency Alert System could be used for terrorist incidents or acts of war.

When the siren signal is sounded, the public is advised to tune to local radio or television stations for emergency information and instructions broadcast by civil defense agencies across the state.

Participating stations will carry a detailed explanation of what the sirens mean, as well as other related information, during the monthly test.

More detailed civil defense disaster preparedness information is also located in the front section of telephone directories in all counties.